Anyone who has ever watched The Lion King knows the hyena is low on the circle of life. They are the scavengers. They follow predators and eat what they leave. Imagine where we’d be without scavengers. No human crew shows up and cleans up the road kill close to my house. Nope, instead it seems like people deliberately hit the dead animal flattening it even more. When traffic settles down, the buzzards, crows, and the occasional coyote finish the job.If you are as distressed about the dead animals as I am. Offer it a blessing for its soul to run free as you pass it. Sometimes you might wonder as I do why an animal would even cross into the path of a speedy vehicle. They are wild animals that had no way of rating how fast a pickup truck is moving. Nothing in their life experience moves that fast. Unfortunately, they aren’t able to past the knowledge along to their offspring since that encounter usually proves fatal.

A hyena on the other hand is very aware of its surroundings. The predators they follow can easily turn on them and make them dinner. Think of the hyena person as cautious, able to discern truth from exaggeration, which explains a slower approach to friendships and intimate relationships. Even if they haven’t been burned, they know someone who has. The flip side is their intentional approach results in a long term relationship.Hyenas are pack animals and need strong connections. Not surprising, communication is very important to the hyena. Watch your words around a hyena person because he or she is analyzing it for hidden meanings. They are also a big observer of your body language too. Does it match up to your words? They will avoid people who say one thing and do the opposite.

Do people call you over sensitive because critical words cut you deeply? Do positive words send your spirits soaring high? You could be a hyena person. If there is a hyena person in your life, consider your words carefully.Ironically, the sensitive hyena can be found in groups. Being part of a family, social or work group provides identity and safety. It makes you understand why the creator of The Lion King made the hyenas a gang of three. The creator missed it when he made one of the hyenas stupid. Hyenas are highly intelligent and have excellent memories. This insures their survival.

While many totem animals are loners, the hyena isn’t. Hyena people work well in groups. They know enough to moderate their opinions and personalities to work with others. As a pack, they can chase off full-grown lions. They realize they’re stronger as a group.

The hyenas teach us many valuable lessons including accept what you have. It’s hard to imagine a hyena whining about antelope leftovers again. The cartoon image of the hyenas laughing and joking around is closer to reality than you might expect. The hyenas enjoy life, by not taking things too seriously. They bounce back from disappointment aware unexpected bounty could be right around the corner.

The hyena leaves us with some final lessons about trusting our instincts, but do our research too. They teach us balance in healing. Most are illnesses are the result of being out of balance. The hyena also represents a blending of male and female energy. Traits we naturally assume with dominant creatures are missing in the hyena.

Hyena Connections

*Healing*Balance*Blending of male and female traits*Trusting instincts*Discernment*Prefers groups*Cautious*Loyal*Intelligent*Jovial*Appreciative of what it has*Sensitive to criticism*Good communicator*Aware of environment